Safeguarding Scotland's architectural heritage

2 October 2007

Stone has been crucial in shaping Scotland’s architectural landscape throughout history and continues to do so.

The demand for stone in new build construction, as well as repairs to the country’s historic buildings, is a testament to its durability and beauty. However, without a commitment to training, investment and better understanding, this unique piece of Scotland’s character could be lost.

That is the message the Stone in Context conference will address at Stirling’s Tollbooth on November 14 and 15, 2007.

Hosted by Historic Scotland, experts from a number of related fields will discuss the latest findings in the maintenance of existing stone buildings, and the use of traditional materials and skills to enhance modern developments.

Ingval Maxwell, Director of Technical Conservation, Research and Education in Historic Scotland, said: “An unprecedented amount of research into the preservation of natural stone buildings, traditional skills and the availability of materials has been completed in the last year.

“Evidence shows that the vast majority of visitors to Scotland – over 85 per cent –intend to visit a historic building during their stay. This aspect alone illustrates the need to ensure that our stone built heritage is well cared for.”

The conference will provide an overview of the issues related to building with stone and will present issues relating to:

education and training

technical update

procurement pressures

case studies

Speakers will also include representatives of Historic Scotland, VisitScotland, Scottish Lime Centre Trust, Glasgow Metropolitan College, Glasgow School of Art, the British Geological Survey, the Building Research Establishment, City of Edinburgh Council, West Lothian Council and Orkney Islands Council.

Colin Tennant, chief executive of the Scottish Stone Liaison Group, said: “People assume that our stone buildings will last forever. However, they need care and attention like all other structures.

“This conference will increase knowledge and awareness of the appropriate methods of repair and the skills that Scotland requires to ensure that our stone built heritage is with us for centuries to come."

Notes for Editors

The conference will be held on Wednesday November 14 and Thursday November 15. To book contact RICS Events on 0131 240 0831. A two-day ticket will cost £47 (inc. VAT).

For more information on the conference visit www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/nationalstoneconference.

Historic Scotland is an agency of the Scottish Government. It is answerable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament.

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